Angry neighbors are suing a cat lover in order to remove a shelter for stray animals under a balcony.

The case opened at Chaoyang district court on Monday but was quickly adjourned after one of the plaintiffs fainted in court.

Cui Meishan, a 76-year-old former dancer, built the controversial 5-square-meter shelter for 10 strays outside a residential building in Tuanjiehu in 2006, after being given approval by the owner of the nearest apartment.

However, neighbor Wen Jude, who lives directly above on the second floor, filed a lawsuit in April this year, claiming the shelter has brought germs, fleas and noise.

At the hearing on Tuesday, Wen's wife fainted as Cui made her statement and was taken to hospital. Wen Bo, her son, told METRO on Wednesday she is still receiving treatment.

Before filing his lawsuit, Wen had attempted to negotiate with Cui several times and had complained to Chaoyang authorities since 2008. Yet, the conflict is yet to be resolved.

Wen Bo said he believes the proper way to protect the stray cats is to send them to shelters run by the government. "Different people have different ways of life," he said. "You can't ask all of us to accept your way of life. We should be respected."

According to a report from the Capital Animal Welfare Association in March 2010, there were about 200,000 stray cats in the city, with about 150,000 living in residential communities.

Cui has been feeding stray cats for several years and has even paid about 100 yuan for sterilization operations and vaccinations, said her lawyer, Zhao Ming. She explained that her client hires helpers to clean the shelter twice a day, while Chaoyang Animal Quarantine Institute also does annual health checks.

"More than 30 residents living in the area can prove that Cui takes good care of the stray cats and bothers no one else, except Wen's family," said Zhao, adding that about 30 people have signed a letter of support, while others have offered to give evidence in court to show the shelter does not cause problems.

However, Wen Bo, who lives with his elderly parents, said that the joint letter was unconvincing. "If they can really bear those problems, why not raise the cats in their own houses?" he said.

China Daily

(China Daily 06/09/2011)